Fresno State R&D Symposium & Video

On August 28, 2025, the Fresno State hosted a dynamic F3 Research & Development Symposium at MBA@Campus Pointe, spotlighting innovation in agriculture through research, industry partnerships, and student engagement. The day began with welcome remarks from Dr. Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, President of Fresno State and F3i Board Vice Chair, followed by engaging presentations from Fresno State faculty Dr. Luca Brillante, Dr. Athanasios “Thanos” Aris Panagopoulos, and Dr. Qiao-Hong Chen, as well as Dr. Reza Ehsani of UC Merced.

As part of the Symposium, a video was shown spotlighting three research and development projects funded by F3 at Fresno State. These projects represent the intersection of science, technology, and agriculture—paving the way for innovation in California’s Central Valley and beyond:

🌱 Hyperspectral Imaging for Viticulture - Dr. Luca Brillante, Associate Professor of Viticulture and Enology, shares how advanced hyperspectral imaging is being used to monitor grapevine health and optimize vineyard management.

🧪 Anti-Prostate Cancer Drug Discovery - Dr. Qiao-Hong Chen, Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry, is leading a project to extract novel compounds from local plants to develop novel anti-cancer therapeutics.

🍊 High-Efficiency Citrus Fruit Harvester - Student Juan Espinoza, a proud Central Valley native, is helping design a citrus harvesting machine that improves safety and reduces labor challenges for farmworkers and growers.

Together, these F3-supported projects are examples of how academic research can solve real-world agricultural challenges and build a more sustainable and resilient future for food and farming.

Symposium attendees also enjoyed a keynote lunch presentation by Rhishi Pethe, Managing Partner of Metal Dog Labs, who explored the future of agtech innovation. The afternoon featured an insightful Industry & Community Panel moderated by Eric Hadden of the WET Center, with panelists Nathan Dorn (F3i), Maria Ridoutt-Orozco (CAFF), and Walter Mizuno (F3 Faculty at Fresno State). The event concluded with a reception and R&D poster presentations by faculty and student researchers, showcasing work funded by the F3 Initiative.

It was an inspiring day of learning, networking, and celebrating the future of agriculture in the Central Valley!